Centre notifies new FCRA rules, NGOs need to disclose social media accounts and programme details
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The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, introducing new disclosure requirements for non-government organisations and associations receiving foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The amended rules require organisations registered under the FCRA to disclose their social media accounts and websites, and to declare whether the association or its key functionaries have published any books, magazines, newspapers, or articles during the year.
The changes also require organisations seeking foreign contributions to specify the purpose of the funding and identify the states or union territories where the funds will be utilised. Foreign contributions may be received for social, educational, religious, economic, or cultural programmes, but political activities remain prohibited.
The new rules broaden the definition of a "key functionary" beyond office-bearers and directors to include trustees, partners, members of governing bodies, Kartas of Hindu Undivided Families, and others involved in controlling or managing an organisation.
According to the amended rules, organisations seeking foreign funding must either be registered under the FCRA or obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The provision removes the possibility of general permission for receiving foreign contributions.
The government has also introduced stricter compliance measures. Any use of foreign funds for purposes other than those for which they were received can attract a penalty of up to 30 per cent of the misused amount or Rs 1 lakh, whichever is higher.
In addition, NGOs will be required to spend at least Rs 10 lakh in foreign contributions over a two-year period to retain or renew their FCRA registration. The measure is intended to prevent inactive organisations from retaining licences without carrying out activities.
The latest notification marks the tenth amendment to the FCRA Rules since they were first issued in 2011.
The amendments have drawn criticism from opposition parties and some analysts, who argue that civil society organisations face increasing scrutiny under the FCRA regime. Critics have also questioned why organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is not registered as a trust, society, or NGO, are not subject to the same regulatory framework.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had earlier alleged that changes to the FCRA framework disproportionately benefit the RSS while making it more difficult for charitable and community organisations to access foreign funding.